Frocking up... on paper, at least.

I don't watch much TV... but as the man of the house will tell you (as he rolls his eyes and heads out to his shed), I'll watch anything remotely resembling a costume drama. (Preferably BBC versions of classic literature, but that classification also includes Poirot). I love a good frock.... particularly a good historical one.

I've noticed that ALL the books I've bought recently (in the hope that I'll find time to read them) are about women in previous times. Seems I even like to READ about a good frock!

At the moment I'm particularly loving this book.

It's a biography of an 18th century girl who rose from utter poverty and obscurity to the height of fame and fortune - in a time when that sort of thing just didn't happen. She married into the aristocracy and eventually became Lord Nelson's mistress. A cracking read!

I'm also loving these books, which were left in my studio by my fashion-industry-sewing-buddy friend.
Ooh-ahhhh.... just LOOK at the detailing on the front of that jacket!

In the Vionnet book there are even details on the pattern construction and (quite possibly drool all over the..) photos of fabulous drapey gowns from the early 20th century.

I can feel my patternmaker's fingers beginning to itch....

Bag, hat and clothing patterns, anyone...?